Exploring the essential element for life - water
In the next few blog posts, we will delve into the meticulous planning and execution of the environmental aspects of building Oase, a property that was essentially a blank canvas when acquired. The commitment to minimize the environmental footprint stemmed not only from a deep sense of responsibility towards our shared planet but also a genuine respect for the wildlife and plant life that called this property home.
A Humble Beginning
When we first acquired Oase, it was a pristine but underdeveloped piece of land. There were no roads, no access to clean water, and no power infrastructure in place. In fact, the property had only two small buildings, and one of them was in a state of disrepair, lacking even a roof. This presented us with both an opportunity and a challenge – to build a modern lodge while preserving the natural environment.
Water, the Elixir of Life
Our journey towards an eco-friendly lodge began with a fundamental necessity – water. Oase's unique appeal included a 1.2-kilometer river frontage along the Blyde River, celebrated as one of the cleanest rivers in Southern Africa. It was imperative for us to minimize our impact on this precious natural resource and its surroundings. We envisioned using the river's water not only responsibly but efficiently.
To harness the Blyde River as a source of potable water for our lodge, we implemented a solar-powered pump system that drew water from the river, situated 1.5 kilometers away. This water is then pumped to our water distribution system, passing through filtration processes and into our storage tanks. Before it reaches the almost 12-kilometer high-pressure potable water distribution network, it undergoes four additional rounds of filtration, including treatment with UV light. This rigorous process ensures that the water supplied to our guests is of the highest quality and safe for consumption.
Parallel to the drinking water system, we established a separate storage and distribution network for non-potable water. This water serves multiple purposes, including firefighting, irrigation of plants, providing water for animals, and topping up swimming pools. It is sourced from a nearby well close to the staff village, then pumped, stored, and distributed, with 50,000 liters stored in our primary water tanks and distribution network. Additionally, we maintain an emergency backup supply of 20,000 liters in separate tanks to ensure the continuity of essential water services.
This comprehensive approach to managing our water resources not only minimizes our environmental impact but also ensures we have a reliable and sustainable water supply for all the lodge's needs. As we embark on this journey, we are excited to share more about the various environmentally conscious choices we have made in developing Oase in our upcoming blog posts. Stay tuned as we explore our commitment to sustainable and responsible practices in the heart of this natural paradise.